Anyone has a reference system where amplification is SS ?

I had a system I felt justified the term reference system about ten years ago. The amplifier was a solid state Pass x350. The reason I called it my reference system was the instant I put anything on I could tell everything about the venue and recordings… mastering. While I had an outstanding tube preamp the other sources were clean and very clear and solid state.

I did not realize it at the time, but all the very obvious forward presentation of detail and heavy bass slap was masking a real lack of midrange bloom and rhythm and pace. So, I loved listening to it… you know, I can hear the violinist in the third row move his foot… isn’t that cool! But after 45 minutes I would get bored listening and go do something else.

I mentioned this elsewhere, but I upgraded my headphone system to a very powerful 300B amp. I could not believe the increase in realism and musicality. I felt the need to move with the music… it sucked me into music. I then went and turned on my main system expecting better sound… what I heard was horrible, cold, anemic, lifeless sound.

Over the next year I swapped my Pass X350 for an Audio Research Ref 160 tube amp , my DAC for Audio Research tubed one and now get sucked in to my main system just like my headphone system. All the details are there, but set in correct proportion to how the sound in a real musical venue. My system is an order of magnitude better, more satisfying, and musical. I listen three hours a day and have to drag myself away. But I do not feel inclined to call it a reference system.

I know it is a question of what reference means to each of us… that is what it means to me.

Can this be done with solid state? Good question, solid state continues to improve. I have yet to hear it in solid state. But maybe,

@barts …”But I honestly don’t understand why you rejoice in hearing the violinist foot tapping in the third row.”

Perhaps you were lucky and quick and “got” the essence of music quickly. But, I am pretty sure for the majority of audiophiles early experiences with music influenced them. For me, mostly in the ‘70s. Really moved by the beat and rhythm and terrible sonic reproduction. Desiring kick drums to have greater impact… then being really impressed by being able to actually hear the lyrics of songs we knew for many years. Then to distinguish each of the Beatles voices.

Decade by decade one becomes glued to what more can one hear with the next upgrade… slowly loosing track of the real musical essence.

I listen to other’s high end system’s, and what dealers present. I was not alone. I am highly analytical… this is an easy route to take… and many have. I have heard so many detailed scraping systems that I find it hard to believe. 

If my posts are redundant… well, I am just reacting to the questions… so. I guess I must be consistent.

@phd 

Yes, I felt the way you did until I finally bought one… now, I could care less about the wear, or any other theoretical problem. The sound quality justifies it. I now have thousands of hours on tube amps with no failures and no tube changes.